PETA wants memorial sign put up in Irvine where fish were killed in traffic accident

IRVINE - An Irvine resident is requesting on behalf of an animal rights group that the city install a sign to memorialize hundreds of fish killed in a traffic crash in early October while being taken to Irvine Ranch Market.

Writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Dina Kourda is asking the city's street maintenance superintendent to place the sign at the crash site at Walnut and Yale avenues. Designed to remind big rig operators of their responsibility, it would read: "In memory of hundreds of fish who suffered and died at this spot."

The crash occurred Oct. 11 when a truck carrying 1,600 pounds of live fish and several tanks of pure oxygen crashed with two other vehicles, The Orange County Register reported. The oxygen was used to keep saltwater bass alive as the fish were being taken to market.

"Although such signs are traditionally reserved for human fatalities, I hope you'll make an exception because of the enormous suffering involved in this case," says the letter.

"Research tells us that fish use tools, tell time, sing, and have impressive long-term memories and complex social structures, yet fish used for food are routinely crushed, impaled, cut open, and gutted, all while still conscious. Sparing them from being tossed from a speeding truck and slowly dying from injuries and suffocation seems the least that we can do."

Craig Reem, a spokesman with the city of Irvine, told the Los Angeles Times he was not familiar with the city's procedure for dealing with such a request.

"I do think it's fair to say we have no plans to erect a memorial," he said.